NEW DELHI: Following the defacement of the Swaminarayan Mandir in California, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar emphasised extremists and secessionists should not find space in foreign lands.
“I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway,” he said.
The temple was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans on its exterior walls, including the name of slain Sikh secessionist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Jaishankar revealed that the Indian Consulate in San Francisco has lodged complaints with local authorities. Presently, an enquiry into the matter has been set about.
On the other hand, following the vandalism, the Hindu American Foundation deemed the act a hate crime. They asserted that the mention of Bhindranwale was meant to instil fear and traumatise templegoers.
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The Indian Consulate in San Francisco strongly condemned the incident, stating, “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for a quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter.”
In a separate development, Jaishankar addressed the case of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national detained in the Czech Republic on charges of conspiring to kill Khalistan leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on American soil. He clarified that Gupta had been provided consular access on three separate occasions.
Despite the extradition requests from the US, a Czech government official asserted that India’s judicial authorities have “no jurisdiction” in the case, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the former’s authorities.
Gupta’s family has approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention in the extradition process and ensuring a fair trial. In a separate incident, eight former Indian Navy personnel were placed on death row by a Qatari court, earlier this year.